This study investigates trade competition

complementarity

and dynam- ic trends among countries along the Belt and Road initiative using network analy- sis. The main findings are as follows. First

in the last decade

trade relations among the countries along the Belt and Road improved

density of the trade network inten- sified

trade concentration grew

and thus

not surprisingly

trade competition in- creased. However

trade complementarity has remained stronger than competition. Second

there are two types of dominant trading blocks along the Belt and Road. A block that is considered an internal type (more trade within the block than outside it) is composed of Russia and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries

while a mixed type of block exists that is comprised of China

India

and other Asian coun- tries that have close trade relations both inside and outside of the block. Third

a complementary trade block exists that is mainly composed of China and the CEE countries

which are China's important trading partners. Last

countries along the Belt and Road initiative can be divided into three competitive blocks

presented as a tripartite layout. The first block is composed of oil resource countries led by Rus- sia. The second block is headed by India and Singapore. The third is led by China and consists of some CEE countries and the Commonwealth of the Independent States (CIS). Based on the results

China should actively readjust its industrial structure

actively adapt its foreign investment policy

and accelerate industry trans- fer and investment in Russia and the CEE countries to dynamically propel China 爷 s trade cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road.